I have been getting many questions about belly fat. Let us address this in two parts first, Calculating Your Waist Circumference. Second, how to get rid of that unwanted fat for that ever wanted flat stomach. Okay with that said, What is the proper size your waist should be? Let's start with the health issue, after all aren't we doing this for a "Healthy Lifestyle".
A high waist circumference and too much abdominal fat puts you at high risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It means you need to lose weight. The formula for high-risk waist is as follows:
A man with waist measurement over 40 inches (102 cm).
A woman with waist measurement over 35 inches (88 cm).
To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure. Start at the top of the hip bone, then bring it all the way around -- level with your navel. Make sure it's not too tight and that it is parallel with the floor. Don't hold your breath while measuring it!
Now you have the formula and are working towards a healthy lifestyle. Is there something I can do for that belly fat? While there's no "magic bullet" that will target abdominal fat in particular, aerobic exercise will facilitate fat loss all over your body, including your belly. You can't "spot-burn" belly fat, but it's usually the first to burn off when you exercise, regardless of your body shape or size. Just be sure that you focus on calorie-burning exercises, rather than sit-ups or crunches. If your abdomen muscles are covered in fat, no strengthening of those muscles is going to change that.
In a scientific study, people who ate all whole grains (in addition to five servings of fruits and vegetables, three servings of low-fat dairy, and two servings of lean meat, fish, or poultry) lost more belly fat than another group that ate the same diet, but with all refined grains.
Age does have something to do with belly fat too. Many of us are mothers and we know all to well our bodies are not the same after child birth. Also, after menopause the body fat distribution changes--less fat goes to your arms, legs and hips, and more of it goes to your midsection. Resistance training can also help reduce belly fat. The bottom line is exercise and continue your healthy lifestyle and remember we are not all built the same. You are unique!!
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